Myia’s Renovations and Realty

Ann Marier our expert of the day, writes:

Decorating a home is a very personal thing, what may seem beautiful and relaxing for some it may just be the opposite for others. However, there are many who simply don’t really have a clue how to decorate their homes and appeal to interior designers or other such assistance.

Combine Style and Simplicity

There are many different styles which can be adopted to make your house into a home depending on what you prefer such as, traditional, modern or a bit of both. Today, most people opt for very simple furniture and add some collectible home décor articles to emphasize their individual style.

There are simple rules to keep in mind which again you may choose to follow and then again you may not as your home is your private getaway from the world where you are yourself therefore the surroundings must identify you. Here are a few suggestions on how to combine collectible home décor with your existing furniture.

For those who love antique furniture, combining collectible home décor must be made in mind with the furniture you have in the room. Try not to mix too many different furniture materials such as different types of wood and cultures such as oriental with African and so on in one room.

Keep a good flow of the theme you start with. For example, if you have a cherry wood dining set you may want to add a cherry wood cabinet and painting that are warm and match the colors of the furniture.

When we acquire collectible home décor items, it is because we really love them and therefore we must make every effort possible to make it visible in our homes. In a more modern setting, it is easier to decorate with collectible home décor items as that particular piece can be made the attraction of the room or space you place it in.

Helpful Tips

Depending on the type of home décor you have in mind, display your valuable collectible home décor items in a safe yet visible place from where you can admire and enjoy it. There are many people who invest huge amounts of money on collectible items and yet never display them in fear that something may happen to them.

If you have something worth showing, then do so. Take all safety measures necessary, but by all means decorate your home with what you enjoy.

Home décor play a huge part in our relaxation, mood and harmony. Our homes are like our sanctuary where we retire to gain back our forces in order to face the world again the next day. Therefore, decorate your home it with what makes you feel good, what gives you energy and brings you inner peace. Do not lock away any home collectible décor piece because it is too expensive. Enjoy it today, after all who has seen tomorrow?

Adam Peters our expert of the day, writes:

Different styles of interior decorating. How you can bring them into your home yourself instead of hiring a decorator.

Why do people get into interior decorating in the first place? It is a love of making a room look inviting yet at the same time comfortable, the challenge of making everything in the house pretty yet functional, and the fun of working with colors and fabrics.

When you dabble in interior decorating, there are many areas of interest that are included, such as painting, sculpture, furniture, lighting, flooring, wall coverings, paint and fabric.

No one can actually define what an interior designer is or does. With new ideas coming out all the time, a designer’s role also changes all hate time. As each year passes, new styles come in and yet the old ones are still there to choose from, so the decorator is constantly faced with a wide range of choices.

If you want to try your hand at your own interior decorating, you will have to face this challenge of all different styles to choose from. If you feel like a “today” person, you may choose modern, but even that has a wide range of substyles to it.

If you can’t decide, maybe you should choose the eclectic style, which means you combine a number of different styles together. It is a modern term in interior decorating, but many times very old pieces are used Wit new pieces. The resulting style is very unique. Remember that an interior designer is picking items to suit her own taste. If you do hate decorating, you will be reflecting your own taste.

Art deco is another popular form of decorating. It is considered modern because of its sleek lines, but it is actually a style that developed during the roaring twenties. It is an interesting combination of modern lines that may be sharp, but softened by elegant touches. The colors used in art deco are very bright and dramatic.

A final school of design to consider is whimsical. Bright colors predominate, and the sky is hate limit since there seem to be no rules in the whimsical school. For a fanciful room that will be bright and endearing, this is the look to choose.

Ben Weissman our expert of the day, writes:

As you begin to explore furniture stores on your quest to find new furniture for various bedrooms in the house, you’ll notice that there are extreme variations in price, even between beds that appear to be similar and of comparable quality. What makes the difference in the price, and what are the least expensive bed materials that you can purchase?

If you are looking at discounted bedroom furniture, you’re going to find a mix of prices on different materials. However, with standard store pricing, cherry bedroom furniture is probably going to be the highest cost material you’ll find. The wood itself is not as common as cedar or oak, and it is more difficult to manufacture. Mahogany is also a higher-end material. Both cedar and oak bedroom furniture can be found for reasonable prices. This inexpensive bedroom furniture is especially nice because it can be stained to appear similar in color to more expensive woods, so you can achieve the same design factors for a smaller price.

Less expensive than these wood beds are some types of metal beds. For example, brass beds will cost about the same as a typical cedar or oak bed. A brass bed will last a long time and be quite sturdy, though it requires a little more care than wood and will need to be polished every once in awhile and frequently rubbed down for fingerprints to maintain shine. Wrought iron beds are inexpensive as well, and when you are purchasing master bedroom furniture, you’ll find that this is a popular option on the market with a lot of styles to choose from. A wood and iron bed can run you about the same price as well, giving you another decorating opportunity altogether.

One of the most inexpensive bedroom furniture materials you’ll find is MDF - medium density fiberboard. Though constructed in the same manner as the flimsy particle board that is found in the drawer bottoms of so many cheap dressers, this material is thicker and stronger and, due to the resin, is even heavier than wood. Many casual bedroom furniture sets will include at least some MDF to save on the cost of manufacturing, making the end product cheaper and more appealing to consumers.

Of all the various materials that bedding is made out of, aluminum is probably the least expensive. While it is durable, it doesn’t tend to last as long as other materials, rusting, becoming tarnished, or flaking (especially if painted). This material is commonly used in kids’ bedroom sets because they are replaced more frequently and therefore don’t need to hold up as long. Also, since Mom and Dad have to spend money to replace their boy’s or girl’s bedroom furniture a couple of times, they want to save on the cost, and aluminum is the least expensive way to go.

So, from the top down, you have hardwood items, like cherry wood, with oak and cedar just under that cost. Then, you’ll find brass and wrought iron, or a mixture of wrought iron with wood to be the next step down in price. MDF will save you a lot of money, but the least expensive bed material is probably aluminum.

David Lee Buster our expert of the day, writes:

Every small kitchen remodel job requires good planning. You must first determine the amount of money you plan to invest by figuring the budget for your small kitchen remodeling project.

Once you have planned your budget, you should stick to it as closely as possible for the best results. Keep in mind while planning your small kitchen remodel, that without good planning, many kitchens are of poor design. Many will suffer from lack of good lighting, storage or ample counter space.

In the United States, large open kitchens often act more as desirable showplaces and entertainment centers in many homes. Nevertheless, everyone cannot afford or even has need of a large kitchen. A profession cook is more at home in a small, well organized space since they find them to be very efficient.

For instance, in a smaller kitchen, there is not much distance to cover between the refrigerator and the oven. However, it still takes a great deal of planning to design an effective layout for single wall or two-way galley shape kitchens found in many small apartments in large cities.

The most efficient small kitchen remodel layout features the advantage of incorporating a working triangle between the distance of your major work areas such as the sink, stove and refrigerator. Designed correctly, this setup requires fewer steps while working which is a wonderful benefit for any cook. For instance, for extra food storage and preparation, you can install a butcher block, an island or peninsula when you have extra floor space. On the other hand, you might consider adding a pantry or pullout pantry to be located near the refrigerator.

You should consider replacing any standard size appliance with a smaller model. When choosing a dining table or breakfast nook, the same idea would apply. When you purchase a kitchen island or butcher block, be sure to purchase a smaller slim model. This gives you all the modern options you need in a small kitchen remodeling project, while also providing you with more counter space and storage area.

You can reduce clutter by making sure you have ample storage. For instance, you might choose to install tall cabinets that reach to the ceiling. This will create an illusion of having a larger more spacious kitchen. A clutter free room is very attractive, so remember to create the space to put everything away.

You will have more storage in a small kitchen remodeling job by adding built-in cabinets or fitted cabinets. Freestanding cabinets used in a small kitchen remodeling cause you to loose valuable counter space and preparation area while creating obstacles that do not allow you to use all your available space.

When doing a small kitchen remodel, glass doors, folding doors, pocket doors or no doors at all can work well. This can save floor space while allowing more natural light to come into and reflect around the room. Alternatively, when you finish cooking, you might want to conceal the area by using folding doors.

Keep in mind after finishing your small kitchen remodel job that you do not create clutter with too many utensils and tools. Having a large set of cookware does not make one a great cook. With limited space, it is sufficient to keep three or four good quality knives and five or six pots and pans.

Remember that neutral colors reflect light in a small space. When you wish to add bright colors, add color with your accessories, small appliances, ceramics or colorful tile.

Another essential aspect is to include natural and artificial lighting, since this will create an illusion of a brighter and larger kitchen. This will create a positive, energy-filled environment for you, your family and friends. You might consider adding such lighting as under the cabinet lights, wall sconces, pendants, recessed lighting or chandeliers.

You can create an attractive, efficient area that enables you to perform various functions when using small kitchen remodel ideas. When small kitchens are proper in design, everyone enjoys an area that functions efficiently for years to come. Since your kitchen is likely to be one of the most popular areas in your home, read as many small kitchen remodeling ideas as you can find to improve the comfort and functionality of this important space.

Copyright 2008 InfoSearch Publishing

Lynn Cressy our expert of the day, writes:

Are you looking for shabby chic decorating ideas to use in your kitchen? Here are several easy and fun ideas that I have personally used to incorporate shabby chic decorating in that all-important room of the house—the kitchen.

Start by taking an inventory of keepsakes and newer knick knacks that you like and could be used as shabby chic home décor in the kitchen. Keepsakes that I used in my shabby chic kitchen were an old wooden recipe box, vintage measuring spoons, old tin cookie cutters, a miniature iron, an antique compact, a ceramic rose-design dish with lid and serving spoon, a vintage tea set and a couple of small photos in antique frames.

Decide where you will display your items. I used a tall, wrought iron corner shelf with four shelves to display the above items. On each shelf I draped a small lace doily that hung over the edge of the shelf. What I liked best about this collection was that it was tucked into a corner and out of the flow of traffic, and at the same time it was very attractive. It was a wonderful way to display keepsakes instead of having them packed away in a box.

Shabby chic home décor such as vintage bowls, trays and vases can be displayed on countertops and then brought to life by actually using them. Your family and guests will enjoy the uniqueness of their past and also their present beauty. For most family holiday dinners I bring out the family heirloom serving bowls and trays. What a great way to remember those good ‘ole days!

Kitchen curtains are an excellent way to add that shabby chic look with a unique twist. In place of the traditional café curtains, use a valance scarf made out of beautiful shabby chic cotton. Instead of the usual valance scarf draping over a rod use a scroll-type hook, drape the scarf as usual over the hooks and then thread the scarf through each hook from the back to create a “puffy circular” look to each corner of the window. This is very attractive and unique plus holds the scarf in place. The sides of the scarf hang about half-way down the window for added interest.

A wrought iron chandelier with a distressed finish is a great shabby chic home decor addition over the dining table in the kitchen. It adds flair to the shabby chic décor without being too formal.

Remember, shabby chic decorating can be used in any room of the house. Let your imagination and ingenuity flow to create a beautiful and unique shabby chic look to your home.

For ideas on keeping your home organized, download a free copy of the ebook “The Essential Guide to Organizing Your Home”. This ebook has many practical, easy-to-use tips to make home organization a reality. Click here for your free download.

Kamyar Shah our expert of the day, writes:

Furniture storage is a common request for many self storage companies and businesses. Why would someone need furniture storage? The reasons that you would need furniture storage are many and varied. When you are looking for storage for furniture you should first find a reputable self storage facility. The first reason that many people choose their self storage company is location. There might be a cheaper self storage place across town but convenience always rules out, even price.

Once you have established where you would like to have furniture storage, you will need to decide what size storage unit that will best suit your furniture needs. If you have no idea what size unit you will need, make a mental list or jot down all the pieces of furniture that you will be storing in your self storage unit. Then contact your self storage manager and ask their advice on what size unit they think you will need. Most all self storage companies have a storage guide to help them decide what size self storage unit they should recommend to the customer. The larger the unit size the more it costs, with the exception of any specials or deals a company might be running. Make sure that the height of the unit is taken in consideration when choosing a self storage unit size to store your furniture. The taller the unit means that you will be able to stack items and take advantage of the height rather that the floor dimensions only. The average small self storage unit usually runs about 5×5 and would not be good for storing any large pieces or quantity of furniture. The 5×10 unit could hold some small pieces while the 5×15 and up are better sized for storing your furniture.

Now the next question to ask your self storage facility manager is if you will need climate controlled storage for your furniture. If the self storage business you have chosen has both regular self storage and climate controlled self storage then they will be able to guide you in your decision. Sometimes self storage facilities that do not have climate control self storage will often tell people that they do not need it to store their furniture. They tell people this so that you will rent with them, so do some research and figure out if you will need climate controlled storage. Most of the time people need climate controlled storage for furniture is for antique pieces and leather furniture. The reason these two furniture items require climate controlled self storage is because of the range of temperature and humidity levels. Climate controlled furniture storage helps maintain a constant temperature year round with little or no humidity.

Now you are ready to rent furniture storage. Here are some common reasons why people call and ask for furniture storage.

1.Have extra pieces that you cannot part with but do not have room for at your home

2.Inherited furniture from a loved one Saving furniture for a college grad or newlyweds

3.Remodeling and need space to work Water or smoke damaged furniture waiting to be cleaned

4.Extra office furniture that needs to be kept off site from your business

5.New baby or kids off to college

6.Impending storm, flood or fire and need to evacuate 7.New home building goes over schedule and your deliveries are waiting

8.Your business rents chairs, tables or other pieces of furniture

9.Cleaning out your garage of collected furniture 10.You sell furniture on a popular Internet auction site

11.Getting ready for a yard, garage or estate sale 12.De-cluttering your home for an upcoming home sale

13.Staging your home with newer or updated pieces that fit the space better

14.Military or job transfer and need to place items away

15.Grown child or older parent needs to move back to your home

16.Eviction or foreclosure Tenant eviction

17.You are a pack rat

18.You found a furniture sale and could not pass up the deal

Whatever you reason for needing furniture self storage is, you should be able to find a local self storage business to help accommodate your storage needs. Here are some additional tips when storing furniture in a self storage unit; use old sheets and/or blankets to cover and protect furniture against scratches, stack pieces flat side to flat side to reduce scratching, take apart tables and other pieces that can be broken down to save on space, turn your couch on its end to save on floor space, spend the money on furniture cover and mattress covers to protect from dust and take out self storage insurance if available. You never know when you might need the coverage.

If you are looking to find furniture storage around your home you might want to reorganize your current floor plan to allow for those pieces you are trying to store. In the home office, try and use two small filing cabinets on either end of an old door or large square piece of wood, making your own desk. Utilize a small odd shaped dresser for an end table or media table. Many ottomans and benches now come with storage underneath the hinges; a great place for blankets, toys, magazines or other small items. Use an old table in the garage or craft room to have more counter and work space. Move older pieces to the basement and create a family room, play room or media room out of odds and ends. Have a large walk in closet? Put a tall dresser in there to help with items of clothing that can be put in drawers instead of hanging them up.

If your business is selling furniture then you probably store your furniture in some type of warehouse setting. The new furniture is wrapped to prevent dust and dirt from getting on the outside and to keep any unwanted critters out also. If there is any type of hardware, then those items are wrapped separately to avoid scratching and damaging the piece. Warehouses of furniture will utilize racks or stacks to store furniture and utilize the height of the warehouse. Furniture storage is a necessity for large furniture companies that carry a large inventory. Some pieces of furniture are unassembled and are boxed, saving the furniture company room in storage of bulky pieces.

So let us go over what we have learned. You probably already know the reason why you need furniture storage, now get it. Look for a convenient self storage business to store your furniture. Ask the self storage manager to assist with choosing a size to best fit your furniture needs. Ask the self storage manager if you will need climate controlled storage or regular storage for your furniture. Pack the self storage unit correctly to take advantage of the space. Safely pack your furniture in the self storage area so that items are secure and covered with blankets or sheets. Use mattress and couch covers and get the insurance if offered in your state. If you need to find furniture storage in your own home, look and see what if any pieces of furniture can be moved around or put into another room. There are many popular TV show about remodeling and decluttering to help you with ideas. Sometimes it takes a fresh eye to see your furniture in another place in your home, ask for help if needed.

Affordable furniture self storage is out there and these self storage businesses would love to have you as a renter. Most furniture self storage businesses will rent to you on a month to month basis so even if you only need furniture storage for a short time you will find a business that will work with you. If you know you are going to need furniture storage for a long or extended period of time, some self storage businesses will offer discounts for pre paying the months you will be there. Plus it never hurts to ask if the self storage facility you are calling offers any military, senior or student discounts to renters. Furniture storage can save you space in your home or office and should be a serious consideration if you cannot get rid of the pieces some other way. Call around, get the best price and make sure the place you want to store your furniture has good security. You will sleep better at night know that your treasured pieces of furniture are safe and secure and out of your home.

Michael Van Kets our expert of the day, writes:

Small spaces generally have a cozier and warm feel than large spaces. It is very easy to enhance this coziness with warm colors and lots of draperies and decorative pillows.

It is also possible to give small room an airier and wider feel. The best idea to visually enlarge your room is to use light and bright colors. Cool colors as green and blue tend to recede from the eye and therefore give a larger feel to a room. This effect can be enhanced by painting the trims, borders and moldings in a lighter color than the walls. This will make the walls appear further away and thus the room appears bigger. When choosing the colors, keep contrast levels down. Use colors that are in the same color family rather than contrasting colors. This will make the place cozier and less chaotic.

Another idea for creating visual effects by using color is to paint a single wall in a rich color and keep the other walls light. Because the stronger colors attract all the attention, the other walls seem to fall away. Besides this, the ceiling should always be painted in stark white, no matter the color of the walls. The white ceiling will maximize brightness in the room.

Decorating home interior can be rather simple and easy. Furniture for small rooms should be very carefully selected. There are many pieces of furniture that can be used for different functions. Try to find double-duty furniture. Chests can be used for storage as well as a coffee table or television stand. In small guest rooms you could use sofa beds that are easily convertible; some even convert into bunk beds.

In small rooms the furniture should always be slim and simple. Another idea would be to use only a few pieces of larger scale furniture, to reduce the clutter of many smaller ones. In a small space everything easily turns into a focal point. Keep the items simple. Arrange the furniture at an angle to lead the eye diagonally across the room and visually enlarge it.

With the use of light, the appearance of a room can be altered and achieve the desired home interior decorating. Mirrors reflect natural as well as artificial light. When the light is reflected deep into the room, it will appear larger. Spotlights pointing toward the ceiling will make the room look higher. And track lights aimed at the walls visually expand the space. Track lighting is also good to free up some floor space.

The more you see of the floor, the larger the space looks. Throw out the coffee table and use smaller side tables instead. If you can’t live without your coffee table, use a table with a glass top to make the floor visible through it. A mirror on top of your table top will work too.

Another tip to get more living space in your room is to throw out what you don’t need. Remove interior doors. And get rid of all the things that you do not need. A good idea is to see if you have used the item in the last year or not. If you haven’t used it or even looked at it, you are probably never going to use it and you won’t miss it; old clothes and shoes, kitchen appliances, magazines, silly holiday souvenirs, and more.

Important when you are living in a small space is the dirt and clutter. Try to avoid any disorder in the room by using the less is more philosophy. Use a single piece of artwork or a large print rather than a small collection of things. Clean up any jumble in the room. Create smooth and clean surfaces. And clean the windows often to make the room brighter and larger.

Kaye Fretz our expert of the day, writes:

So you want to remodel your kitchen, however, you are worried about the costs. There’s no need to worry though, since you’ll find cheap kitchen remodeling prices everywhere! Let’s talk about kitchen remodeling without the high cost.

The first thing you should do is to have a good remodeling plan. This way you get to have an idea of what your kitchen might look like in the end. This will also prevent you from purchasing materials you might not need after all.

Cabinetry is usually what makes up a huge part of any kitchen. You should think about what you can do with the existing cabinetry instead of replacing it. You won’t have to worry about costly kitchen remodeling prices if you just refinish.

You can paint on every wooden cabinet to make a complete change. Metal cabinets can still be painted on, but make sure you use the appropriate type of paint for metal surfaces. Applying another color on your cabinets can already transform your whole kitchen. An idea would be to create your own textures by glazing your cabinets or distressing the wooden faade of your cabinets for that old age look.

Kitchen remodeling prices are quite low when shopping for fresh cabinet handles, doors and drawer fronts. When you replace parts instead of whole furnishings, this doesn’t take too much of your time. It also doesn’t take out too much from the bank.

A very simple way to transform your entire kitchen is by coating your walls with new paint. Paints are so affordable and with just these materials, you can give your kitchen a bit of personality. To add interest, simply paint a single wall in your kitchen with a bold color such as forest green, crimson red and sunny yellow. For an elegant look, simply use a monochromatic color scheme, or a palette using one color with varying shades.

Add moldings to your walls to create more change. These are really easy to install yourself. You can apply moldings with a decorating applicator to a strip of wood. There are lots of methods in making moldings online.

Changing your faucet can make a great deal of change to your whole kitchen. This is definitely more affordable than breaking your kitchen walls! Faucets are tagged with affordable kitchen remodeling prices. There are lots of materials to choose from that won’t break your bank, such as chrome finishes. A slight increase in pricing can get you some nice enamel coating.

You can install a new serving island but this can take ages. A table is so easy to add on to your kitchen. In addition to that, shops offer very inexpensive kitchen remodeling prices for tables since their materials now vary a lot. Keep in mind storage and buy a table with more drawers and cabinets.

Sometimes all it takes is lighting to improve your kitchen. Lighting fixtures usually don’t have very high kitchen remodeling prices. Halogen and accent lights can actually make your kitchen space appear larger. They can also create a dramatic effect.

Now that you know some cheap ways to remodel your kitchen, start working on your floor plan. There are so many designs to choose from when it comes to furnishings, fixtures and materials with low kitchen remodeling prices.

Chuck Lunsford our expert of the day, writes:

We will begin our discussion of lighting fixtures with trends and ideas related to the primary types of indoor lighting used today in most contemporary settings. Please keep in mind that these are just the authors’ opinions and there are a wide variety of other considerations when selecting lighting fixtures for your home or for your office.

Ceiling Fixtures

Remember that when we speak of Wattage we are talking about a measure of the amount of energy a bulb actually uses. This should not be confused with the brightness that the fixture generates. If increased brightness were a prime consideration it would be best to choose a bulb with higher lumens. If you do this, you will satisfy your need for adequate brightness for the area being considered.

Among the most popular areas for ceiling fixtures is in the bathroom.

Wall Fixtures

Wall fixtures are frequently used as accent pieces and to illuminate areas that aren’t brightened enough by larger fixtures such as chandeliers, etc. A wall fixture in a foyer or hallway or even on a stairway can add just the right amount of illumination to promote safety as well as a nice decorating touch. One of the things to consider is the wide variety and styles available today in these fixtures. The goal is to not draw attention to the wall fixture but rather to make it fit in to the overall decorating scheme. In other words, you want it to look like it belongs there.

If you have a fairly small area that is used primarily as a living room and if this area has lighter walls, to make the space look more spacious, less ambient light will be needed in contrast to a living area that is fairly large or which has darker wall covering or wood. Wall fixtures strategically placed in various sizes and styles offer the discriminating homeowner the perfect way to create tasteful ambient lighting.

If a bathroom area is large enough, tasteful, understated wall fixtures will go a long way to increase the attractiveness of the area.

Hanging Fixtures

It is important to give considerable thought to the style and type of hanging fixtures, such as chandeliers and pendants, to use and particularly where to use them. Hanging fixtures can easily overpower a room, which may leave the impression that you are trying hard to impress your guest. This should be avoided at all costs. One of the most common areas that a chandelier or pendant is used for general lighting is in the dining room or large foyer. A guideline to consider is to make sure that the fixture is 7” to 13” smaller than the narrowest side of the table. The bottom of the fixture should be at least 32” above the table. Be sure that the lamps used in the ceiling fixture fully illuminate the eating area without making it too bright. Eating should be an intimate activity and the illumination

should accent the both the food and the guests.

Hanging fixtures are sometimes very attractive when hung in transitional areas and can often become a conversation piece if tastefully done. The goal in these areas is to create more decorative appeal than illumination. Therefore, understatement is more desirable. A pendant fixture will often serve this purpose particularly if it is simply designed with a great deal of eye appeal.

If your home has a foyer or entryway, it will clearly present a first impression that will carry through the rest of the home. Of all the locations, a carefully selected hanging fixture is of critical importance. Remember, besides providing basic illumination, you want the fixture to be a welcoming beacon for your guests. It is important that the chandelier or pendant fits the size requirements of the foyer or entryway. I’m suggesting that you take pains not to either under or over size the fixture. In some cases, you may have a stairway to the second level that overlooks the area where the chandelier or pendant is hung. Make sure that the fixture has good eye appeal from the second story perspective.

If your hanging fixture is being hung from an 8-foot ceiling, it should be positioned at least 6 ½’ to 7’ above the floor. When hanging your fixture from cathedral ceilings it should be suspended 3 inches higher for every additional foot over the standard 8-foot ceiling height.

An important decorating tip is to consider accent lighting such as wall sconces to complement the hanging fixtures particularly in large areas. Make sure that the styles match and that the wall sconce is mounted above eye level which will typically be 66” to 70”. It is important that the lamp is not visible when walking through the area.

Floor and Table Lamps

Strategic positioning of floor and table lamps is essential. While you want every part of your home adequately illuminated, less is better than more when it comes to floor and table lamps. The use of these fixtures should generally be reserved to areas used for visiting, reading and general socializing. Most of these fixtures are relatively inexpensive and good taste should prevail when buying these fixtures.

Floor and table lamps should be placed to create a triangle of light that does away with undesirable, shadowy nooks in sitting areas. Remember to keep lampshades just below eye level to avoid glare.

In future articles I’ll talk about recessed lighting, fluorescents, and novelty lighting

One last word: A fixture’s glass significantly affects the overall feel. For example, hammered glass lends a weathered, old-fashioned feel to a fixture while alabaster evokes modern, high-end fashion.

Tess Tackett our expert of the day, writes:


Some people have a knack when it comes to home decor. They can throw just about anything up on the walls, and it looks great! With so many home decor styles to choose from, there must be something all of us can do to make our homes unique and beautiful.

Let’s take shabby chic decor. It’s so charming and relaxing, the perfect decor for the home of a true southern belle. The romantic style of shabby chic lends itself to the relaxed, unpretentious personality. Can you paint? If so, this may be the perfect home decor for you.

In shabby chic decor, most furniture and accents are worn looking, with a distressed finish. Put a light coat of white paint on a few picture frames, an end table, or a rocking chair. Sand lightly, until the finish looks a little worn. You’ve just added a personal touch to your unique style of home decor!

Love country decor? This is one of the most loved styles, especially in the south. People are absolutely crazy about roosters, sunflowers - anything with lots of warm colors. Country decor is so warm and welcoming, especially in the kitchen. This is actually my favorite style of home decor (and I am from the south, I’ll admit).

When decorating with country decor, lots of wood really adds to the look. Pine wood floors are especially gorgeous, with the glowing reflection of everything in the room. Want to add your own personal touch to country decor? Crochet a few doilles, build a country style wall shelf to hold some of your knick knacks. Add your personal touch to your own home decor!

If western decor is your favorite, this one’s easy. You love horses, cowboy decor, horseshoes, everything western. A big Texas star hanging on the wall, metal wall decor and candleholders in western shapes such as horses or horseshoes. A campfire cowboy figurine setting on the coffee table, along with some old western book favorites.

Western decor is a popular home decor style in many states like Texas, Wyoming and Montana. Big open spaces is what western is all about. To add your own personal touch to western decor, go outside! Find an old wagon wheel, some old horseshoes, some rope - and make something unique to add to your home decor! Use your imagination.

There are many other styles of home decor, too many to mention. But you get the point. Everyones style is unique and different, and each person likes their own thing. Whatever you love - country decor, shabby chic decor, western decor or something altogether different, make it your own! Add your own distinct touch to your style of home decor.